Most people in New London, when they think about solar power, think of photovoltaic panels wired into a household electrical grid to provide power for your entire family. While these systems are growing in popularity and affordability, they are not the only way on the market to utilize solar power. You can actually use a much simpler system that is more affordable and can save you nearly as much money. It’s solar hot water and it can greatly reduce your annual water heating bill.
How Solar Hot Water Heaters Work
There are a few different types of solar hot water heater, but the idea is generally the same. You place solar collectors on the roof of your home, preferably facing south. Those collectors collect and amplify the energy of the sun and use it to heat water or coolant that is circulated through tubes or pipes in the collector. In a direct system, the water is then piped directly to your fixtures for use.
In the more common indirect system, coolant is piped back to a tank where water is heated through copper pipes and held for use later.
Advantages of Solar Hot Water Heating
The obvious advantage is cost. Because the system is almost entirely passive, you don’t pay for any electricity, and maintenance is minimal. The only real cost of a solar hot water system (after installation) is a once-every-two-years maintenance visit and a backup water heating supply for days when there is less sunlight.
Solar water heating is a very effective and affordable way to start using solar power immediately in your New London home. If you are considering installing this form of solar power, give Boulden Brothers a call!
